The Chief Executive of RDB, John
Gara explained that the increase coincides with significant growth of the
gorilla population as well as increasing demand for gorilla tourism.

“This means that there is need to continue channelling all our efforts in
conservation in order to protect their environment”.

Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts
have realised significant achievements. Currently, there are ten gorilla groups
which accommodate up to eight tourists each per day, a number that has almost
doubled over the last five years.

RDB clarified that the new pricing will not affect full payments and bookings
for dates between now and June 1st, 2012.

“Those that have booked but have not
made full payments will not be affected if they make full payments by March
15th, 2012,” the head of Tourism and Conservation at RDB, Rica Rwigamba elucidated.

A communiqué released by RDB later stated that, “a contribution of five percent
towards the communities surrounding the national parks, under the revenue
sharing programme, is an activity that RDB is also committed to, and that the
increase will also proportionally impact on this initiative.”